Bronx-bound Tigers

Published 12:23 am, Tuesday, September 1, 2009

The wanted to swim and they wanted the city -- New York City to be exact.

Fordham University offered both, which was more than enough to persuade the recent Ridgefield graduates to sign on to swim for the Rams.

"The campus is beautiful," said Heyman, who was the captain of the Ridgefield girls swim team this past fall. "It has great academics, is near the city and is a very good swimming program. It's the perfect fit."

In fact Heyman, whose brother Brad just finished his swimming career with the Rams, stopped checking her mail after she got her acceptance letter to the Bronx, N.Y. university.

"I applied to a couple schools," said Heyman, who was All-State and All-Area selection last year. "But when I got in to Fordham I was so happy. I never even opened another letter from another school. It was always where I wanted to be."

Lusardi took the time to at least open his mail, but his heart was always set on becoming a Ram.

"I really wanted to be a part of a top-tier swimming program," said Lusardi, who was an All-State selection for the Tigers boys swimming team this winter. "I really wanted to find a school that had a great business school and a great swimming program. Fordham offered both."

Lusardi, who started swimming for the Ridgefield Aquatic Club at age 7, felt immediately comfortable at Fordham, especially after his official visit.

"The guys on the team were very genuine," Lusardi said. "No one looked down upon me. They were honest and open with me. I felt like I was already part of the team."

The former Tiger compared it to same camaraderie he experienced this year with Ridgefield.

The team cohesion, Lusardi says, combined with a plethora of talent helped Ridgefield take second at the Class L state meet behind Pomperaug.

Lusardi combined with sophomores Andrew Klutey, Brian Bollerman and Derrian Duryea to take first in the 200 medley relay in 1:39.17. Lusardi also came in second in the 200 IM (2:01.06) and eighth in the 100 breaststroke (1:02.71).

All are events Lusardi hopes to help the Rams in next year.

"Most of the guys coming in this year are more focused on the freestyle," Lusardi said. "I think if I come in shape, I could help out right away."

And while Lusardi excels in the breaststroke and individual medley, Heyman's best event in clear.

The former Tiger was ninth at the State Open in the 50-freestyle (24.81) and was third at the Class LL meet. She was also 16th in the 100-freestyle (59.56) at the Class LL meet.

The "splash and dash" star was also a two-time All-FCIAC pick.

"I was never sure I'd end up at this level," said Heyman, who is considering pursuing a career in sports marketing and wants to study abroad. "I know I'll have to work hard. I'm not a morning person so the morning practices could be tough."

Fordham swim coach Steve Potsklan runs 6 a.m. practices almost daily both Lusardi and Heyman confirmed, leading Heyman to invest in a loud and trustworthy alarm clock even if it wakes up her new roommates.

Despite the early mornings, there is no where Lusardi or Heyman would rather be.

"I'm really excited," Heyman said. "Things have just fallen into place. There is no place else I'd rather be."